What is a Registered Agent?

In US business law, a registered agent is an individual or business that receives official documents and legal correspondence on behalf of a company. This includes:

Service of process: Court documents if the business is sued, such as summons or lawsuits
Business registration renewal notices: From the secretary of state
Tax notices: From the government

The registered agent’s main responsibility is to be available to receive service of process, which can be delivered in person, by certified mail, or other methods. They then relay important messages to the business owner promptly.

To designate a registered agent, you submit a form to the state that “registers” them as your business’s agent. You can appoint yourself as the registered agent, or in many states, you can appoint your business to be its own registered agent. For example, in Utah, you can become your own registered agent if you are 18 or older, have a Utah address, and can receive documents there during business hours.

Findmylegal.com has registered agents listed in its directory. To find a registered agent go to our search page and select Registered Agent.